Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive systems of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). A defective gene causes the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that: clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections; and obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.
In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond.
Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis
People with CF can have a variety of symptoms, including:
- very salty-tasting skin;
- persistent coughing, at times with phlegm;
- frequent lung infections;
- wheezing or shortness of breath; and
- poor growth/weight gain in spite of a good appetite
Statistics
- About 1,000 new cases of cystic fibrosis are diagnosed each year.
- More than 80% of patients are diagnosed by the age of three.
- At least 40% of the CF patient population is age 18 or older.
- In 2005, the median age of survival was nearly 37 years.
For more information on CF, go to www.cff.org (Cystic Fibrosis Foundation).
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